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How to make a Succulent Pumpkin

October 28, 2020 By Talya Tate Boerner

How to make a Succulent Pumpkin (and save the year)

Today I’m going to show you how to make a succulent pumpkin. I predict you will not only love this project, but you will be thrilled with the results. I learned this craft by taking a class at the Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks. I don’t think the fabulous gardeners at BGO would mind that I am sharing what I’ve learned with you.

Isn’t that what we should all do? Spread our knowledge and make the world a better place?

I think so.

And once you know how to make a succulent pumpkin, everything will truly be a tiny bit better. Not kidding. In the category of fall crafts, this might be considered life-changing.Continue Reading

Sunday Letter: 10.25.2020

October 25, 2020 By Talya Tate Boerner

Sunday Letter

Dear Sunday Letter friends,

Raise your hand if you are ready for the election to be over. I’m exhausted by All.Of.It.—the name-calling, ridiculous conspiracies, question-avoiding, and bold-faced lies. Only nine more days, and we can move on. Or at least I hope we can move on.

Enough about politics. (I’m sorry I brought it up.)

Now for a super divisive question… Continue Reading

Zebra Plant Love

March 27, 2019 By Talya Tate Boerner

Zebra Plant + Vintage Planter

Even the blackest of thumbs can successfully grow a zebra plant! These small succulents are very forgiving and rarely complain about anything. Several years ago, I planted one tiny zebra baby in my vintage ceramic planter. Look at her now. She’s bloomed several times and has all but outgrown her container.

A few days ago when it was pouring rain and I couldn’t do any yard work, I scratched my gardening itch by showing my zebra plant a little love.

But first, a story about these ceramic planters. Popular in the 60s and 70s, they were often filled with flowers and delivered to hospitals upon the birth of babies.

My mother received this scottie dog planter when I was born. I often wonder what sort of flowers were inside? Probably carnations, if I had to guess. (And maybe if I searched through my baby book, I could figure it out because Momma saved those little It’s a Girl! cards.) The important thing to note is that somehow Scottie has been in our family for over half a century (gulp), and now he’s one of my favorite pieces of gardening decor.

If I had to evacuate due to fire or flood or famine, I would grab him!Continue Reading

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Hi! I'm Talya Tate Boerner. Writer, Reader, Arkansas Master Naturalist / Master Gardener, Author of

THE ACCIDENTAL SALVATION OF GRACIE LEE (2016)

GENE, EVERYWHERE: a life-changing visit from my father-in-law (2020)

BERNICE RUNS AWAY (2022)

THE THIRD ACT OF THEO GRUENE (coming 2025)

Recent Ramblings:

  • Sunday Letter: 11.23.25
  • Maggie and Miss Ladybug: My New Children’s Nature Book
  • Sunday Letter: November 9, 2025
  • Sunday Letter: Oct 26, 2025
  • Sunday Letter: Oct 5, 2025

Novels:

Coloring Books:

Fiction-Themed Coloring Books

Backyard Phenology:

Children’s Nature Book:

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